MANSFIELD, OH- Mansfield Tyger senior-to-be Jornell Manns earlier last Thursday gave a verbal commitment to play his college football at the University of Minnesota. While competing this weekend at the Mehock Relays, Manns says the decision to choose Minnesota was not difficult.

"Actually it wasn't hard. I never had a relationship, nobody recruited me as hard as Minnesota did and coach (P.J.) Fleck is a genuine guy and he showed real interest in me, so nobody compared to him."

When asked if the fact that Shelby quarterback Brennan Armstrong gave a verbal commitment back in February had any influence on his decision Manns responded, "That's my guy, we talk all the time. When I first got the offer and started to talk with coach Fleck, he (Armstrong) said I want you to go there, but don't commit before you end up going. Then after my visit, he texts me at 12 am and asked me how it went. I said I'm committing. He was the first to know."

In 2016, Manns caught 28 passes for 359 yards and four touchdowns while averaging over 27 yards per kick return in an injury-plagued junior season. "My goal for my senior year is to get over 15 touchdowns and to stay healthy."

Manns also adds that he intends to stay at Mansfield Senior for his entire senior year, but will head to Minnesota early in the summer of 2018, to get a jump start on school.